Good Health, Bad Humor

Health care is an emotional subject for many Americans — and often one of extremes.

Quality of care and innovation are grounds for pride; distribution and cost, however, border on embarrassing.

Healthy Business - A CNBC Special Report

The U.S. spends more on health care than any of its peers. Costs have been rising sharply and relentlessly for years, yet many feel they're getting less for their money.

In 2009, 17 percent of total US GDP went to health care. That will reach 19.6 percent by 2019, acoording to the Census Dept.

This year, the private sector will spend some $1.35 trilliion on health care; the government a little less.

Many, however, feel that they're getting less for their money. Managed care has alienated consumers and medical professionals alike, while drug makers and insurers deliver handsome profits. Employee contributons are rising, as are deductibles.